If you're an artist trying to create some internet presence, you for sure have faced some of the issues and pressure when it comes to social media. Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok- all different platform, similar algorithms needing you to post frequently in order for your content to get pushed. Which could be quite frustrating, especially for artists since creating a piece takes a long time, and gets scrolled past for 3 seconds. I personally don't find it possible to post a new piece every day, or even every other day. So I've found some ways to keep your audience engaged, without having to pressure yourself with creating new art way too frequently that you find it comfortable.
I am sure that your already existing community would be interested in your process. If you are an artist, a big chunk of your following would be aspiring artists, who are looking for ways to get better and to see what their favourite artist's steps are in their process. Soo, as you are working on your piece, there are a few things you can do to get content out of it:
Post a Sketch, then another work in progress post
Try and film a timelapse with your phone- use a tripod over your work area, or diy some sort of stand
You can shoot a bunch of real time few second videos, and stitch them together
If you are working in Procreate, the app itself records your process- you could use the timelapse video!
Talk about your materials or tools
Details and close ups of your final piece
People are also interested in seeing random work sketches and exercises, not only finished works! You can show some sketchbook pages, photograph your working area, picture of your cat laying on top of your pencils. Of course, if you have an exciting announcement concerning your art, go and make a post about it! I would create separate posts to announce my new tutorial posts on Patreon for example.
It is not expected from you to produce a new piece of art every day. Sharing your process in a series of posts spread through different days works just fine!
But I have to mention- Algorithms are a tricky things, and they're not equal to your worth, or how good you are at art. Big apps like Instagram are making it harder and harder for us to get to our own followers! I get progressively less and less reach and likes on my posts, but I don't let this affect me. If you really don't feel like posting on Insta, or making TikToks- don't. Take a break, and come back with new forces.
Things change very quickly, but as for this moment I find that TikTok is a much more responsive place than any other social media. Especially if you make videos with some sort of helpful content, tips and advices. A lot of young artists there are looking to find quick videos to learn from! Process videos, including the final result, tend to do well too.
When it comes to TikTok, I would create videos in batches whenever I can, keep them in my drafts and post them spread through time. It's a good system!
If you want to keep up with social media as an artist, I recommend you find a way to "milk" one art piece for as much content as you can! Post both videos and photos of your process, and then your final piece. But please, don't obsess with numbers, likes and followers! Your organic audience, no matter small or big, is here to support you.
Comments